A Martyr's Heart I ~ Gracious Fellowship: Philippians 1:1-7, especially vs.7: "...I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace."
The five weekday series of readings, which begin today, cover the opening chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Church at Philippi. This letter was written while the Apostle was in the custody of the Guard of the Imperial Palace at Rome and awaiting trial on appeal (Acts 26:32-27:1; 28:16-30).
The Apostle anticipated being released, but the possibility of a deathsentence could not be ruled out (Phil. 1:19-20). The Philippian congregation had recently sent St. Paul funds by Epaphroditus, a member of the congregation (Phil. 2:25). The gift was for the Apostle's personal support during detainment. Philippians is both a “Thank you' letter and it provides insight into the heart of a Christian facing martyrdom.
The letter reveals a close bond between St. Paul and the Faithful at Philippi (Phil. 1:1). As he declares, he knows in his heart that they are full partakers with him of God's grace, both in his chains and in his defense of the Gospel before the court (vs. 7). He was blessed and joyful (vs. 4) even though he faced a trial with the potential of a death sentence, for he was certain of an eternal bond with a loving, gracious community.
Such is the true mark of a Christian martyr: facing life or death, he is not alone, but in his heart he is sustained by a gracious fellowship through the dark, uncertain times, and in possible pain and death. Let us consider what gracious fellowship meant to St. Paul in his heart.
First and foremost, the Apostle mentions thankfulness: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (vs. 3). When a family offers the oblations at the Liturgy, they submit to the Pastor the names of the members of their family to be remembered as the Holy Gifts are prepared and offered; but others are also remembered at that time: the Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the blessed Theotokos, the great angelic Leaders, the holy Prophets, the glorious Apostles, great Hierarchs, Martyrs, the holy Fathers of the Ascetic life, the wonder-working Unmercenary Healers, the Parents of the Virgin, one of the great Liturgists, the Bishops and clergy of the Church, and all the reposed brethren whom God has called to Himself.
How thankful we are when our loved ones are remembered in the company of such a gracious fellowship! Every true Christian is filled with heartfelt gratitude to God for belonging to such a glorious, loving, incredible Communion of holy ones.
St. Paul remembers with gratitude that special family in Philippi who cared for his material needs. He knew them as a gracious fellowship, for God had accomplished a great work in their hearts (vs. 6). They had turned from darkness to light, responding in faith and love to the Truth and committing themselves to God as their Lord and King for all eternity. St. Paul was confident that God "Who [had] begun a good work in [them would] complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (vs. 6). Every Christian knows that what God begins, He finishes, and that He remains at work with the gracious fellowship He has formed until the Lord Jesus' return.
Finally, as the Apostle remembers his Philippian family, he is filled with a great longing for their warm fellowship. What a natural thing for any Christian to experience, but especially when one is facing potential martyrdom. Let us note that our longing for the gracious fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ always is mingled with deep affection, with the kind of love and caring that we have received from the Lord Himself (vs. 8).
O Thou Lover of souls, grant to the fellowship of Thy beloved ones, Thy rich mercy.